RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — Boehringer Ingelheim has released Striverdi Respimat Inhalation Spray (olodaterol 5 mcg), a medication for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to U.S. pharmacies.

The pharmaceutical company said Wednesday that Striverdi Respimat Inhalation Spray is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) delivered via the Respimat inhaler, which provides a premeasured amount of medicine in a slow-moving mist that helps patients inhale the medicine.

Boehringer Ingelheim noted that the inhaler was developed to actively deliver medication in a way that does not depend on how fast air is breathed in from the inhaler.

"For over a half century, Boehringer Ingelheim has been a leader in discovering and developing new therapies for respiratory diseases. We’re proud to build upon our respiratory heritage by bringing Striverdi Respimat to market as a new COPD maintenance treatment option," stated Kathleen Dowd, senior vice president of marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. "Approximately 15 million Americans have been told by a health care provider that they have COPD, and we believe Striverdi Respimat will be a welcome option for providers and patients alike."

Striverdi Respimat is indicated as a long-term, once-daily maintenance bronchodilator treatment for airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. It’s not indicated to treat asthma or acute deteriorations of COPD.

Boehringer Ingelheim said it will offer a savings card that will allow most eligible patients to get the medication at no cost for a limited time, depending on their insurance provider. The savings card is available at Striverdi.com and can be activated at any pharmacy.